12 Summer Hostess Gifts That Aren't Wine

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With summer barbecue and pool party season kicking off, it's a great time to update your hostess gift options. Sure, you can always bring a bottle of wine when you're invited to a get-together, but you could also not bring wine. I've rounded up 12 clever summer-themed hostess gifts that are sure to get you a return invite to the next warm-weather soiree.

1: Chef'n Ice Cream Sandwich Maker

Photo by: Williams-Sonoma

Williams-Sonoma

This adorable kitchen gadget is definitely not something your hostess needs, but once you have one, it's not something you'll want to give up. Use the mold to bake your homemade cookies, then once baked, add ice cream and freeze to make your own ice cream sandwiches.

5: Mason Jar Herb Garden Kit

Photo by: Terrain

Terrain

This windowsill herb garden kit is another fab choice for any hostess who loves to cook. This kit includes everything you'll need to kick-start your own indoor herb garden — even potting soil and pebbles. Before your hostess knows it, they'll have their own fresh basil, cilantro, parsley and mint to use in all their home-cooked meals.

6: Olive and Basil Oil

Photo by: Oliviers & Co

Oliviers & Co

Olive oil is always one of my favorite go-to hostess gifts. It's something that we don't often want to splurge on for ourselves, and it will last for months to come. This basil-infused olive oil is the perfect choice for light summer cooking. You could pair it with a bouquet of fresh basil, homemade red sauce and a bag of pasta if you want to make it extra special.

7: Beaches by Gray Malin

Photo by: Gray Malin

Gray Malin

This gorgeous book from photographer Gray Malin is another perfect summer hostess gift. Gray's aerial photographs feature beach scenes from all over the world. Twenty cities across six continents are represented in this stylish book that will look fabulous on any coffee table.

9: "Float On" Giant Innertube

Photo by: ban.do

ban.do

This is a fun gift to bring if you're invited to a summer pool party. The floaty has a chic, retro design with yellow and pink stripes. And at 49 inches, it's large enough to enjoy relaxing on while floating in the pool for hours.

10: Ceylon Iced Tea Jug With Filter

Photo by: Amazon.com

Amazon.com

For a hostess who loves to drink iced tea, this is a great idea for a gift. This Bodum pitcher allows you to quickly brew delicious, homemade iced tea at home. You can easily fit it in your refrigerator door, but it's pretty enough to sit out on your table, too.

11: Endless Weekend Summer Candle

Photo by: Bath & Body Works

Bath & Body Works

A lovely candle is another great go-to hostess gift no matter the time of the year. But during the summer, it's nice to choose a candle that has a lighter, more summery scent like this one. Mandarin, magnolia and coconut water essences are used in this three-wick beauty.

12: Live Lavender Wreath

Photo by: World Market

World Market

We've all heard of holiday wreaths, but there are actually some pretty summer wreaths that would make a wonderful accessory. This live lavender wreath smells delicious and would look lovely on a front door.